Issue 18-209 Household Spending

December 13, 2018

Spending by households in British Columbia averaged $71,001 in 2017, slightly more than the national average of $63,723. Alberta ($72,957) was the only province where household expenditures were higher than those in B.C.

Shelter took the biggest bite (31%) out of the household budget in B.C., followed by transportation (20%). Food (13%), household operations (7%), recreation (6%) and clothing and accessories (5%) were some other major expenditure items.

Shelter (29%) was also the biggest budget item for overall Canadian households in 2017. Spending on transportation (20%) accounted for the second-largest share of total consumption of goods and services, followed by food (13%). For Canadian households in the top income quintile, shelter (27%) and food (12%) took a smaller portion from the household wallet. Conversely, among households with the lowest incomes, shelter represented far more of the household budget (35%) and a food (14%) also represented a larger share of total spending.

Help us improve gov.bc.ca

*Don't provide personal information . Comments will be sent to 'servicebc@gov.bc.ca'

Enter your email address if you would like a reply:

The information on this form is collected under the authority of Sections 26(c) and 27(1)(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act to help us assess and respond to your enquiry. Questions about the collection of information can be directed to the Manager of Corporate Web, Government Digital Experience Division.